Wilson Interview Adds Twist to NC State Coaching Search

NC State’s search for a replacement for Dave Doeren gained a new high-profile possibility on November 3, when former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson interviewed for the head coaching job. Wilson played three seasons at NC State before finishing his college career at Wisconsin. He has no coaching experience, but played 13 NFL seasons and won a Super Bowl with Seattle.

Philip Rivers, another former Wolfpack quarterback, has also emerged as a serious candidate. Rivers has coached the Catholic high school named St. Michael in Fairhope, Alabama, for six seasons, compiling a 48-20 record without a losing season. His team has made the state semifinal round in both of the last two years. Rivers played four seasons at NC State, where his No. 17 jersey was retired, and later spent 18 seasons in the NFL.

Rivers has said he wants to focus on his high school team’s postseason. His son Gunner, a four-star quarterback, is committed to NC State for 2027 and reaffirmed that commitment after Doeren’s firing. Gunner has passed for 422 yards and six touchdowns this season after suffering a knee injury in the opener.

Doeren was dismissed on October 24 after 14 seasons. The Wolfpack are 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the ACC, with four regular-season games remaining. Interim coach Todd Goebbel won his first game, 31-10 against California. Rivers has no college coaching experience, and his possible move from high school to the ACC would be a significant step; other candidates have also been mentioned. No hire has been finalized.